Curtain wall with internal weep means

ABSTRACT

A curtain wall comprising a substantially rectangular fixed casing configured to hold a plurality of windows in fixed sideby-side coplanar relation including internal moisture weeping means. The casing comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical members held in fixed spaced relation relative to each other, the horizontal members including internal weep holes and the vertical member including internal feed passages and internal weep holes communicating with a reservoir means vented to the exterior of the curtain wall to channel moisture through the internal feed passages and internal weep holes to the reservoir means and thence to the exterior of the curtain wall through venting apertures.

trite Silvernail tates Pte 1 Jan.7, 1975 1 CURTAIN WALL WITH INTERNAL WEEP MEANS 22 Filed: May 15, 1973 211 App]. No.: 360,603

[52] US. Cl 52/235, 52/209, 52/303 [51] llnt. Cl E04b 2/88 [58] Field of Search 52/302, 209, 235, 303,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 852,450 5/1907 Plym 52/209 X 1,268,032 5/1918 McGowan 52/209 X 1,836,980 12/1931 Marty 52/209 X 2,174,441 9/1939 Gustafsson.... 52/302 2,949,981 8/1960 Ferrell 52/235 2,976,970 3/1961 Toney 52/209 X 3,001,245 9/1961 Gillett 52/209 3,147,518 9/1964 Horgan 52/303 X 3,205,630 9/1965 Felix et al. 52/303 X 3,314,201 4/1967 Riegelman 52/209 3,362,123 1/1968 Geyser 52/209 X 3,488,906 1/1970 Brooks. 52/303 3,570,182 3/1971 Bakke 52/209 X 3,638,372 2/1972 Rosenthal 52/209 X 3,734,550 5/1973 Vance 52/303 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 339,366 8/1959 Switzerland 52/209 560,893 10/1957 Belgium 52/209 Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braun Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Arthur W. Fisher, lll, Esq.

[57] ABSTRACT A curtain wall comprising a substantially rectangular fixed casing configured to hold a plurality of windows in fixed side-by-side coplanar relation including internal moisture weeping means. The casing comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical members held in fixed spaced relation relative to each other, the horizontal members including internal weep holes and the vertical member including internal feed passages and internal weep holes communicating with a reservoir means vented to the exterior of the curtain wall to channel moisture through the internal feed passages and internal weep holes to the reservoir means and thence to the exterior of the curtain wall through venting apertures.

11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,375

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.3

CURTAIN WALL WITH INTERNAL WEEP MEANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a curtain wall including a plurality of horizontal and vertical members including internal feed passages and weep holes to channel moisture from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the construction of modern day multi-story buildings, numerous curtain wall structures have been developed. Unfortunately such curtain wall structures are subject to leakage from wind and rain. In addition internal condensation of moisture often results in water damage to the interior of the building.

Generally these curtain walls are constructed of metal, having relatively high coefficient of expansion of the metal. The inherent problem of permanently sealing the various building elements in such a way as to prevent leakage due to contraction and expansion of the curtain wall remains unresolved.

It is common to provide a frame support for the glass panels using a glazing compound between the glass panels and frame support to prevent leakage. Unfortunately, the glazing compound must be properly applied to the initial installation which requires a substantial amount of labor. In addition the glazing compounds deteriorate thereby requiring periodical inspection and application of additional glazing material when required.

In addition, a number of structural complex frames include a variety of interlocking members designed to prevent leakage. Unfortunately these are generally expensive to fabricate and install. Some of these frames include external weep holes at each horizontal level. As a result, the windows weep at each level causing unsightly streaking and discoloration.

Internal condensation also remains a problem even where external leakage is minimized. In existing curtain walls moisture condenses on the interior surface of the glass. As the moisture accumulates it flows downward onto the floor causing water damage when present in sufficient quantities.

Thus it is readily apparent that a need exists for a curtain wall to effectively prevent leakage and condensation damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a curtain wall comprising an internal weeping means. More specifically, the invention comprises a substantially rectangular fixed casing configured to hold a plurality of windows fixed in sideby-side coplanar relationship relative to each other.

This structure is configured to channel moisture from the curtain wall to the exterior of a multi-story building. The rectanular casing includes an upper horizontal header and lower horizontal sill held in fixed parallel spaced relationship by a plurality of vertical members. The windows are enclosed within the framework of the horizontal and vertical members.

The horizontal and vertical members include a plurality of weep holes. The horizontal and vertical members are configured to comprise horizontal and vertical moisture feed channels respectively. The weep holes and feed channels cooperatively form internal weeping means to channel moisture from the upper portion of the curtain wall to a reservoir means formed in the sill. The reservoir means comprises a condensation reservoir and pressure equalization reservoir in communication therewith.

The condensation reservoir is arranged relative to the internal feed channels and weep holes such that mois ture flows downward through the internal weeping means into the condensation reservoir through the pressure equalization reservoir and is discharged from the building.

This invention accordingly comprises the features of construction from the combination of elements, said arrangement of parts which may be exmplified in the construction hereinafter forthwith and the scope of the invention will be included in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembled curtain wall.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial review view of an assembled curtain wall.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a baffle.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIG. 1, this invention comprises a wall curtain, generally indicated as 10, having a plurality of fixed windows 12 arranged in side-by-side coplanar relation within a substantially rectangular curtain wall frame 14. i

As best shown in FIG. 1, curtain wall frame 14 comprises an upper horizontal header 16, intermediate horizontal member 17 and a lower horizontal sill 18 held in fixed parallel spaced relation by a plurality of vertical members. The vertical members comprise vertical jambs 20 attached to each end of header l6 and sill 18 and a plurality of vertical mullion 22 spaced at equal intervals between jambs 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, header 16 comprises a substantially U-shaped channel 24 and substantially rectangular channel 26. Channel 24 comprises front wall 28 with top and bottom walls 30 and 32 respectively, extending perpendicularly therefrom and rear wall 34. The rectangular channel 26 comprises front wall 36 with top and bottom walls 38 and 40 respectfully extending perpendicularly therefrom and rear wall 42. Channel 26 is hollow such that walls 36, 38, 40 and 42 cooperatively form horizontal feed channel 44. Extending outwardly from front wall 36 is a tongue-like member 48 including screw groove 50 formed therein. Channel 24 is fixedly attached to channel 26 by passing threaded screw 56 through aperture 58 and into screw groove 50. A plurality of teeth 57 and 59 are formed on tongue 48 and U-shaped portion of wall 34 respectively to cooperatively engage one another to lock channels 24 and 26 together when assembled to pro vide additional locking between the channels. When operatively assembled the rear wall 34 and front wall 36 cooperatively form pane groove or channel 61.

Extending longitudinally the length of ceiling 52 is an L-shaped header mount 54. The lower portion of header mount 54 is press-fitted into channel 60. When curtain wall is mounted in a building, header mount 54 is held in engagement with ceiling 52 by screws 62 extending through apertures 64 and into ceiling 52. Perimeter sealant 66 is applied between header 16 and ceiling 52 to prevent moisture from passing therebetween and also to enhance insulation.

As shown in FIG. 3 sill 18 comprises continuous channel 68 and front plate 70. Channel 68 includes top and bottom walls 72 and 74 interconnected by rear wall 76 extending perpendicularly therebetween. Wall 76 extends upwardly over wall 72 to form retainer means or lip 75. Front plate 70 includes front and rear walls 78 and 80 respectively and upper portion 82. Formed on the lower portion of wall 78 is inclined member 86 having a plurality of weep hole 88 formed therein. The forward edge of wall 74 and the lower edge of wall 78 cooperatively form continuous weep slot 87. Walls 86, 78 and leading edge of 74 cooperatively form baffle 75 which prevents or minimizes blow back from the exterior of the curtain wall 10. The upper portion 82 includes a groove 84. Extending inwardly longitudinally the length of bottom wall 74 is a plurality of ribs 90. When the curtain wall 10 is mounted in the building, ribs 90 are held in engagement with floor 92 by screws 94 extending through apertures 96. Perimeter sealant 98 is applied between floor 92 and sill 18 to prevent moisture from passing therebetween and also to enhance insulation.

Sill 18 includes a fluid receiving means comprising condensation reservoir 100 and pressure equalization reservoir 102. Top wall 72 is removable to allow cleaning and repair of reservoir 100. Weep holes 104, 106 and 108 are formed on walls 72, 80 and 122 respectively permitting moisture to flow into reservoir 100 and from thence into reservoir 102 as more fully described hereinafter. Sill 18 extends rearward relative to vertical members /22 and horizontal members 16/17 to comprise offset means 73. Condensation feed aperture 77 is formed in the upper wall 72.

Intermediate members 17 are identical in construction to header 16 and similar parts are similarily identi fied. In addition, a plurality of internal weep holes 19 are formed along the upper wall 39 such that the exterior of the intermediate member 17 communicates with the interior channel 44. Wall 42 extends upward to form retainer means or lip 21.

As best shown in FIG. 2, jamb 20 comprises hollow substantially U-shaped channel 110 and substantially rectangular channel 112. Channel 110 includes front wall 113 with side walls 114 and 116 extending perpendicularly therefrom and rear wall 118. Weep holes 108 are formed in walls 122 in communication with channels 44 and reservoir 100 as more fully described hereinafter. Extending outwardly from front wall 120 is a tongue-like member 132 including screw groove 134 formed therein. Channel 112 includes front wall 120, side walls 122 and 124, and rear wall 126. Channel 112 forms primary vertical moisture feed channel 128. Secondary vertical moisture feed channel 130 is formed between walls 118 and 120 on each side of tongue 132. Channel 110 is fixedly attached to channel 112 by passing threaded screw 56 through aperture 58 and into screw groove 134. When operatively assembled rear wall 118 and front wall form pane groove 136.

Extending vertically the length of wall 138 is a Z- shaped jamb mount 140. When curtain wall 10 is mounted in a building, mount 140 is secured to wall 138 by a plurality of screws 62 extending through apertures 142 and into wall 138 and into groove 136. Sealant 144 is applied between wall 138 and jamb 20 to prevent moisture seepage and enhance insulation. Jamb 20 is attached to header 16, intermediate member 17 and sill 18 by means of screws threaded therethrough and into screw groove (not shown).

Vertical member 22 is similar in construction to vertical jamb 20 and similar parts are similarly identified.

When the entire curtain wall 10 is assembled and mounted in place, glass or panels 12 are fixedly mounted in grooves 61 and 137 as shown as FIGS. 2 and 3. When installed, condensation and fluids may accumulate on the interior of glass or panel 12. The fluid flows downward onto wall 39 and through weep holes 19 into channel 44. The fluid then flows through weepholes 108 into vertical feed channels 128 and into primary reservoir 100 through aperture 109.

In addition, moisture captured in secondary vertical channel flows vertically into reservoir 102. Condensation forming on walls 126 and 42 flows vertically downward on wall 126 to upper wall 72 then through aperture 77 (FIG. 2) or 104 into condensation reservoir 100. As fluid accumulates in condensation reservoir 100 it passes through weep hole 106 to pressure equalization reservoir 102 and from thence through weep hole 88 and continuous weep slot 87 into the surrounding atmosphere.

This combination of feed channels and weep holes comprise an internal weep means which prevents the accumulation of fluids and moisture on the interior of the building. At the same time no fluid is expelled at the upper levels staining and discoloring the upper windows.

It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention, which as a matter of language, might be said to fail therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described:

What is claimed is:

1. A curtain wall comprising: a fixed casing comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal members including an upper horizontal header and a lower horizontal sill held in fixed spaced relation relative to each other, a plurality of vertical members arranged in spaced relation relative to each other interconnected between said horizontal members, said vertical members including vertical jambs attached to corresponding ends of said header and said sill, said curtain wall further including internal weep means, said internal weep means comprising a condensation reservoir means formed in said lower horizontal sill, vertical channel means formed in said vertical members, weep apertures formed in said vertical members, said lower horizontal sill member including at least one drain aperture formed on the upper surface thereof in communication with said condensation reservoir means formed therein, said condensation reservoir means and said vertical channel means communication through said weep apertures and said drain aperture, said condensation reservoir means comprising a lower and upper wall held in spaced relation relative to each other by a front and rear wall, the lower portion of said vertical members extending downwardly into said condensation reservoir means, the lower end of said vertical channel means adjacent said lower wall, said vertical members being disposed forwardly of said rear wall such that fluids flow from the upper portion of said curtain wall through said weep apertures into said vertical channel means into said condensation reservoir means including a discharge orifice to discharge moisture accumulated in said condensation reservoir means to the exterior of said curtain wall.

2. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said rear wall comprises a continuous element extending substantially the entire length of said curtain wall.

3. The curtain wall of claim 2 wherein said reservoir means further includes a pressure equalization reservoir arranged in communication with said first reservoir means, said pressure equalization reservoir arranged in communication with said first reservoir means, said pressure equalization reservoir in open communication with the exterior of said curtain wall.

4. The curtain wall of claim 3 wherein said vertical members comprise a first and second element in operative relationship relative to another which cooperatively form a second feed channel communicating with said pressure equalization reservoir.

5. The curtain wall of claim 3 wherein said condensation reservoir and said pressure equalization reservoir cooperatively form a weep slot therebetween through which moisture is vented to the exterior of said curtain wall.

6. The curtain wall of claim 5 wherein said condensation reservoir and said pressure equalization reservoir cooperatively form a baffle means between said weep slot and said pressure equalization reservoir to minimize blow back.

7. The curtain wall of claim 1 further including at least one intermediate horizontal member substantially parallel to said header and said sill, said intermediate horizontal member including horizontal channel means formed therein and at least one drain aperture formed on the upper surface thereof in communication with said horizontal channel means.

8. The curtain wall of claim 7 wherein said intermediate members comprise a plurality of substantially rect angular members spaced in end to end relationship rel ative to each other.

9. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said horizontal members further include a lip means formed on the rear portion thereof extending upward relative to the forward surface to retain the moisture formed thereon.

10. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said sill member is removable to expose the interior of said reservoir means.

11. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said sill includes offset means extending rearward relative to said vertical means and said header whereby the moisture condensing on said vertical and horizontal'members flows downward onto said offset means, said sill further includes at least one condensation weep aperture formed on said offset, condensation feeding through said condensation weep aperture into said condensation reservoir. 

1. A curtain wall comprising: a fixed casing comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal members including an upper horizontal header and a lower horizontal sill held in fixed spaced relation relative to each other, a plurality of vertical members arranged in spaced relation relative to each other interconnected between said horizontal members, said vertical members including vertical jambs attached to corresponding ends of said header and said sill, said curtain wall further including internal weep means, said internal weep means comprising a condensation reservoir means formed in said lower horizontal sill, vertical channel means formed in said vertical members, weep apertures formed in said vertical members, said lower horizontal sill member including at least one drain aperture formed on the upper surface thereof in communication with said condensation reservoir means formed therein, said condensation reservoir means and said vertical channel means communication through said weep apertures and said drain aperture, said condensation reservoir means comprising a lower and upper wall held in spaced relation relative to each other by a front and rear wall, the lower portion of said vertical members extending downwardly into said condensation reservoir means, the lower end of said vertical channel means adjacent said lower wall, said vertical members being disposed forwardly of said rear wall such that fluids flow from the upper portion of said curtain wall through said weep apertures into said vertical channel means into said condensation reservoir means including a discharge orifice to discharge moisture accumulated in said condensation reservoir means to the exterior of said curtain wall.
 2. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said rear wall comprises a continuous element extending substantially the entire length of said curtain wall.
 3. The curtain wall of claim 2 wherein said reservoir means fuRther includes a pressure equalization reservoir arranged in communication with said first reservoir means, said pressure equalization reservoir arranged in communication with said first reservoir means, said pressure equalization reservoir in open communication with the exterior of said curtain wall.
 4. The curtain wall of claim 3 wherein said vertical members comprise a first and second element in operative relationship relative to another which cooperatively form a second feed channel communicating with said pressure equalization reservoir.
 5. The curtain wall of claim 3 wherein said condensation reservoir and said pressure equalization reservoir cooperatively form a weep slot therebetween through which moisture is vented to the exterior of said curtain wall.
 6. The curtain wall of claim 5 wherein said condensation reservoir and said pressure equalization reservoir cooperatively form a baffle means between said weep slot and said pressure equalization reservoir to minimize blow back.
 7. The curtain wall of claim 1 further including at least one intermediate horizontal member substantially parallel to said header and said sill, said intermediate horizontal member including horizontal channel means formed therein and at least one drain aperture formed on the upper surface thereof in communication with said horizontal channel means.
 8. The curtain wall of claim 7 wherein said intermediate members comprise a plurality of substantially rectangular members spaced in end to end relationship relative to each other.
 9. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said horizontal members further include a lip means formed on the rear portion thereof extending upward relative to the forward surface to retain the moisture formed thereon.
 10. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said sill member is removable to expose the interior of said reservoir means.
 11. The curtain wall of claim 1 wherein said sill includes offset means extending rearward relative to said vertical means and said header whereby the moisture condensing on said vertical and horizontal members flows downward onto said offset means, said sill further includes at least one condensation weep aperture formed on said offset, condensation feeding through said condensation weep aperture into said condensation reservoir. 